Wellington fans welcome home World Cup winning All Blacks.
Thousands of people, including the British royals, turned up to catch a glimpse of the All Blacks as a victory parade brought the capital's main streets to a standstill.
The sun was shining as the All Blacks were greeted with a huge roar from the crowds as they made their way from Parliament and stopped at Civic Square this afternoon.
Businesses on Lambton Quay, known as the Golden Mile, came to a halt as the mass crowd tried to catch a glimpse of the All Blacks. People were even seen on roofs of buildings, keen to get a better view of rugby royalty.
Even the British royals didn't want to miss out on this event as Prince Charles spoke to the crowd. "What the hell am I going to say to the Aussies next week?" he joked, sparking laughter from the crowd.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and captain Richie McCaw. Photo / Mark Mitchell, NZ Herald
The comment was met with a roar of cheering from the crowd, and the All Blacks were seen laughing and clapping behind him.
The future king then threw up his hands in mock despair and left the podium, waving at the team on his way down.
The team slowly made their way to Civic Square from Parliament as they signed rugby balls, posters and anything else that was thrown at them from the excited crowd.
A group of giggly teenage girls from Queen Margaret College gathered outside parliament proudly showing off their hand-made sign that read, "Nehe Milner-Skudz" with red hearts surrounding it.
Fans waiting for the All Blacks. Photo / Solbin Kang
Queen Margaret College student Claudia Adamson said "We've been Skudder stepping our way through the crowd today" she said.
Hundreds chanted "Richie, Richie" as the team made their way through the crowd on utes.
Chelsea Smethurst and her two friends woke up at the crack of dawn to drive to the capital today from Palmerston North.
Rugby balls soared into the air as the All Blacks made their way out of parliament. Photo / Solbin Kang
When a ute with Brodie Retallick drove past, she yelled, "Brodie! Remember me?! You signed my poster!"
This outcry made the crowd laugh and Mr Retallick looked and gave a small laugh.
Sonny Bill Williams' reputation as the most generous All Black was confirmed when he gave away his All Blacks cap and sunglasses to two lucky fans.
The All Blacks flag flying from the Beehive. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Rongotai College student Tyrrell Samia, 17, was the lucky boy.
However another eager young fan, eight-year-old Taimakau Pikia-Karehana, asked if he could have the sunglasses and Tyrrell kindly gave them to him.
Wellington East School and Rongotai College pupils performed a haka for therr heroes before Mayor Celia Wade-Brown spoke and thanked the team for their dedication.
"You are now a part of a team that has won the World Cup back-to-back. Woo!," she gushed.
